The government has been lauded for its efforts to offer tax exemption and social protection to hundreds of the people with disabilities in the country.
The 2010 Constitution, through the Bill of Rights Chapter Four, which stipulates that people with disabilities should be treated with dignity and respect, has been singled out as the best government move to help many PWDS in Kenya.
Migori County Coordinator for the PWDs Mr. Fred Obuya said the tax relief offer and the general social protection to people with disabilities have gone a long way to help them have self-confidence.
“The Bill has also offered this group of Kenyans a chance to participate in the reform process as they can now be brought on board in decision making organs like chiefs barazas and committees,” Obuya said.
In an exclusive interview with KNA in Migori over the weekend, the official also hailed the state for abolishing the formation of special schools arguing they discriminate against PWDs and exclude them from mainstream education system which makes their accommodation in the society to be hard.
He said the best route for such learners is to integrate them in schools with normal children, adding that it was wrong to shun PWDS in school running committees.
Obuya said the government had also thought it wise to establish customer care desks for PWDS as a way of mainstreaming them in every government ministry, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“The state has also sensitized staff on matters affecting people living with disability,” added the officer.
He also reminded PWDs that the government has provided them with relief and exemption from national and municipal council taxes which they should utilize to be economically self-reliant.
By George Agimba
